Jim Fenton has worked at The Enterprise since 1981 and began covering the Celtics in the 1985-86 championship season when Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish formed the Big 3. He was seated courtside for nearly every home game during the 22-
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Jim Fenton has worked at The Enterprise since 1981 and began covering the Celtics in the 1985-86 championship season when Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish formed the Big 3. He was seated courtside for nearly every home game during the 22-year title drought that came to an end in 2008 when the new Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen turned things around.

The Celtics went through a 90-minute workout before season-ticket holders on Sunday, then headed to Florida where they will meet the Miami Heat on Tuesday night to start the season.

The practice was held at the TD Garden, and a spirited scrimmage took place at the end with Jason Terry designating one side of the arena fans of the "Green'' team and the other side to root for the "White'' team.

The Celtics were scheduled to leave for Florida Monday afternoon, but Hurricane Sandy forced them to depart a day early.

Asked if he was happy about having an extra day in sunny Miami, Paul Pierce said, "We get a chance to get down there, get some practice time. We’re focused on basketball right now.''

The Celtics are sure to hear more questions on Monday about Heat guard Ray Allen, who left the Celtics after five seasons.

Rivers said he didn't want to make too much out of the much-hyped opener that will take place on a night when the Heat get their championship rings and raise a title banner.

"It's one game,'' he said. "You want to win and playing the best team in the NBA, it'd be a nice game to win. But if you win that game, it's nice and you're 1-0, but you don't get a trophy. That's for sure.''